Durock Blue Lotus vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Blue Lotus and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, featuring a travel distance of 3.7mm that provides a pronounced tactile feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate the satisfying feedback of each keystroke. Its detachable light column enhances its appeal further, allowing for vibrant RGB illumination that captivates the eye. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) presents itself as a linear switch with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, characterized by its bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feel that makes typing incredibly enjoyable. While the Blue Lotus caters to typists who crave tactile feedback and visible flair, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is perfect for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a notable distinction emerges in their top housings. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane polymer (UPE), which is designed to provide a premium feel and experience. This blend enhances the tactile feedback and overall typing experience, contributing to a unique sound profile when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the top housing of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is solely composed of nylon, a traditional material known for its softer characteristics. The nylon top not only aids in producing a muted sound but also influences the tactile sensation during keypresses, resulting in a different typing experience altogether.
In contrast, both the Blue Lotus and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) share similarity in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material across both switches, this consistency means that users can expect a similar sound profile when pressing down on either switch. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, providing a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This shared element ensures that even though the top housings differ, the fundamental sound characteristics and tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down remain comparable.
The disparities between the two switches primarily affect the sound and feel during the key release, spotlighting the influence of the top housing material. While both switches offer a similarly resonant quality from their nylon bottom housings, the modified PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus’s top adds a layer of distinctiveness that could appeal to users seeking a more refined typing experience. Conversely, users of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) can anticipate the reliable acoustic properties and softer touch afforded by its all-nylon construction. In essence, while each switch presents unique qualities based on its materials, their shared nylon bottom housing provides a common ground for achieving a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we notice some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar effort to trigger a keystroke with either option, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) requires a bit less at 62.5 grams. This makes the Blue Lotus the heavier option in terms of the bottom out feel, creating a more substantial tactile experience. While both switches are comparable at the actuation level, the Blue Lotus offers a firmer resistance once fully pressed down, making it potentially better suited for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Durock Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a deeper keypress, which appeals to users who favor a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) with its shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or those who prefer a quicker response time, as it allows for faster key actuation. Thus, if you're looking for a more grounded feel, the Blue Lotus is the better choice, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for those seeking a snappier touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a distinct bassy tone during key presses, characterized by a deeper, richer sound profile. This results in a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, creating a resonant quality that some users find appealing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches have an undetermined sound description, which leaves the auditory dimension of these switches more ambiguous. It's important to note that the acoustic qualities of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, such as the material and design of the case, as well as the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches exhibit several notable characteristics. They are accented, offering a prominent tactile response without being overly intense. This medium tactile feedback makes for a pleasant typing experience, as users can experience the tactile bump without it feeling overpowering. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches are snappy, thanks to their shorter travel distance and possibly dual-staged springs, which contribute to a lively responsiveness with each keystroke. The stepped design further enhances this experience, allowing for a nuanced tactile feedback that feels dynamic throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare to the tactile qualities of the Blue Lotus.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a rich auditory experience combined with a vibrant tactile feedback, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) lacks clarity in both sound and feel descriptions. The Blue Lotus shines with its mix of bassy sounds and a well-rounded tactile response, making it a great choice for users who value both auditory and tactile feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may still offer a quality typing experience, but without specific details, users must consider other factors or seek additional information to determine if it aligns with their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you revel in a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, where each keystroke feels snappy and responsive, then the Blue Lotus is your ideal partner. With its slightly shorter travel distance and distinguished bassy sound profile, it offers a vibrant and engaging experience for both typing and gaming, particularly favoring those who appreciate tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a smoother, more linear feel while still enjoying a bit of resistance, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) might be more your speed. Its medium weight and a joyful bounce make it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where the emphasis is on fluidity rather than tactile bumps. With its bright sound and engaging feedback, this switch can enhance your enjoyment without feeling overtly tactile. Ultimately, evaluating your needs for tactile feedback versus smoothness, alongside your desired sound profile, will guide you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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